The Pentagon has dismissed the 12 military service members and one civilian killed in the 2009 Fort Hood massacre as victims of “workplace violence.” But Texas Rep. John Carter thinks otherwise — and isn’t giving up on his fight to reverse the military’s official designation.

Rep. John Carter (Official photo)

The Round Round Republican, whose district includes Ft. Hood, is reintroducing a bill that would award Purple Hearts — or the civilian equivalent — as well as full benefits, to the shooting victims.

In a statement, Carter said the Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act “would award the military and civilian casualties of the 2009 Fort Hood attack the same status that was awarded to the casualties of the Pentagon attack on Sept. 11, 2001. All of the casualties would be eligible for the Purple Heart Award or the Department of Defense civilian equivalent.”

In addition to the 13 people gunned down on November 5, 2009, 32 were wounded. Accused shooter Major Nidal Hasan had communicated with Al Q’aida leader Anwar al-Awlaki before the attack. Despite this, the military has not treated the event as combat violence, which is a prerequisite to awarding a Purple Heart. Hasan awaits military trial.

Texas on the Potomac reported Tuesday about the ABC News report detailing the plight of the shooting victims. One victim told ABC the designation of “workplace violence” as opposed to combat violence has cost him $70,000.